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TECHNICAL SERIES No. 55

International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis

Geronticus eremita

Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian

Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)

International Single Species Action Plan

for the Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis

Geronticus eremita

Revision 1

AEWA Technical Series No. 55

November 2015

Produced by

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), United Kingdom

BirdLife International

Prepared with financial support from

The Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA), Saudi Arabia

Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

Compiled by: Chris Bowden

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]

Contributors:

Muhannad Abutarab (Syria), Mohammad Al-Salamah (Saudi Arabia), HHP Bandar bin Saud bin Mohammad

Al-Saud (Saudi Arabia), Ruba Alssarhan (Syria), Nabegh Ghazal Asswad (Syria), Christiane Boehm (International

Advisory Group for the Northern Bald Ibis [IAGNBI] expert), Chris Bowden (Coordinator), Sergey Dereliev

(UNEP/AEWA Secretariat), George Eshiamwata (BirdLife Africa),Mihret Ewnetu (Ethiopia), Amina Fellous

(IAGNBI Algeria), Johannes Fritz (IAGNBI Austria), Hamida Salhi (Algeria), Jaber Harise (Saudi Arabia), Taner

Hatipoglu (Turkey), Sureyya Cevat Isfendiyaroglu (Turkey), Sharif Al Jbour (Eastern regional co-coordinator),

Mike Jordan (IAGNBI South Africa) Omar Al Khushaim (Saudi Arabia), Nina Mikander (UNEP/AEWA

Secretariat), Moulay Melliani Khadidja (Algeria), José Manuel López (Spain), Yousuf Mohageb (Yemen),

Noaman Mohamed (Morocco), Ammar Momen (Saudi Arabia), Rubén Moreno-Opo (Spain), Widade Oubrou

(Morocco), Jorge Fernandez Orueta (Western regional co-coordinator), Lubomir Peske (IAGNBI expert), Miguel

Angel Quevedo (IAGNBI Spain), Roger Safford (BirdLife International), Gianluca Serra (IAGNBI expert), Rob

Sheldon (Independent), Mohammed Shobrak (Saudi Arabia), Dawit Tesfai (Eritrea), Zafar Ul Islam (Saudi

Arabia), Can Yeniyurt (Turkey), Yacob Yohannes (Eritrea), Fehmi Yuksel (Turkey).

Milestones in the Production of the Plan:

Stakeholder

Workshop: 1st Meeting of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group (NBI IWG),

Jazan, Saudi Arabia, 19-22 November 2012

First draft: Presented to the NBI IWG in October 2014

Second draft: Presented to the AEWA Technical Committee in March 2015, circulated to range states for

formal consultation in April 2015 and approved for submission to the 6th Session of the Meeting

of the Parties to AEWA (MOP6), by the AEWA Standing Committee in August 2015

Final draft: Adopted by MOP6, Bonn, Germany, 9-14 November 2015

Geographical scope

This International Single Species Action Plan requires implementation in the following countries: Algeria, Eritrea,

Ethiopia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen.

Reviews

This International Single Species Action Plan supersedes the previous version adopted at the 3rd Session of the

Meeting of the Parties to AEWA, 2005, and should be revised again in 2025. An emergency review shall be

undertaken if there are sudden major changes liable to affect the population.

Recommended citation

Bowden, C.G.R. (Compiler) 2015. International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Northern

Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita). AEWA Technical Series No. 55. Bonn, Germany.

Picture on cover: Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) © Torsten Pröhl.

Disclaimer: The designation employed and the presentation of the material in this document do not imply the

expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP/AEWA concerning the legal status of any State,

territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of their frontiers and boundaries.

This International Single Species Action Plan represents a full revision of, and supersedes the 2005 version

(AEWA Technical Series No. 10).


International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis 3

Contents

Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................................................... 4

Preface ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 6

1. Biological Assessment ........................................................................................................................ 8

1.3 Distribution Throughout the Annual Cycle ................................................................................... 8

1.4. Habitat Requirements ................................................................................................................. 11

1.5. Survival and Productivity ........................................................................................................... 12

1.6. Population Sizes and Trends ...................................................................................................... 13

2. Threats ............................................................................................................................................... 18

2.1. General Overview ...................................................................................................................... 18

2.2 Critical and High Threats ............................................................................................................ 18

2.3. Medium Threats ......................................................................................................................... 20

3. Knowledge Needs.............................................................................................................................. 23

4. Policies and Legislation Relevant for Management .......................................................................... 24

4.1. International Conservation and Legal Status of the Species .................................................... 24

4.2 National Policies, Legislation and Ongoing Activities ............................................................. 25

4.3 Site and Habitat Protection ....................................................................................................... 26

4.4 Recent Conservation Measures and Coordination of Implementation ..................................... 27

4.5 The Potential Role for Reintroduction ...................................................................................... 29

5. Ongoing Translocation Projects and their Potential Association with the ISSAP ............................ 30

6. Framework for Action ....................................................................................................................... 32

7. Awareness Raising and Communication Work .................................................................................. 43

8. References ......................................................................................................................................... 44

Appendix 1 - AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group Terms of Reference ............... 47


4 International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis

Abbreviations and Acronyms

BLI/BLME BirdLife International /BirdLife Middle East

DD Doğa Derneği Nature Society / BirdLife Turkey

HCEFLD Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Fôrets et à la Lutte contre la Désertification

IAGNBI International Advisory Group on the Northern Bald Ibis

ICARDA International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas – Morocco

MAAR Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform – Syria

ISSAP AEWA International Single Species Action Plan

SEO/BirdLife Sociedad Española de Ornitología / BirdLife Spain

SSC Species Survival Commission of the IUCN

SSCW Syrian Society for Conservation of Wildlife

ACSAD The Arab Centre for the Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands

RSPB The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

IUCN The World Conservation Union

NBI IWG AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group

http://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwik4tyYm_PNAhWCliwKHUFYAGEQjBAIKjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogadernegi.org%2F&usg=AFQjCNEKLMVTBJgDQmp3dlK-MSsxk2yDnQ&bvm=bv.126993452,bs.1,d.bGs



Preface

The first AEWA International Single Species Action Plan (ISSAP) for the Conservation of the Northern

Bald Ibis was approved by the 3rd Session of the Meeting of the Parties to AEWA in 2005. A revision

of this ISSAP led by Mr Chris Bowden (RSPB) commenced at the 1st Meeting of the AEWA Northern

Bald Ibis International Working Group (NBI IWG) in November 2012 in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The

resulting draft was circulated to the Jazan workshop participants in October 2014.

The second draft was consulted with the AEWA Technical Committee in March 2015 and was submitted

for formal consultation with the range states in April 2015. The final draft was endorsed by the AEWA

Standing Committee in August 2015 and approved by the 6th Session of the Meeting of the Parties to

AEWA in November 2015.

This revised Action Plan is based on the AEWA International Single Species Action Plan for the

Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis1 adopted by the 3rd Meeting of the AEWA Parties in 2005, which

remains an invaluable source of published information on the species.

1 http://www.unep-aewa.org/sites/default/files/publication/ts10_ssap_nbi_complete_0.pdf

http://www.unep-aewa.org/sites/default/files/publication/ts10_ssap_nbi_complete_0.pdf

http://www.unep-aewa.org/sites/default/files/publication/ts10_ssap_nbi_complete_0.pdf



Executive Summary

The Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red

List due to its small range and small population size. The species has undergone a serious decline over

a period of hundreds of years, with a particularly sharp downturn recorded since the 1950s, attributed to

a combination of habitat loss, DDT pesticide poisoning, direct persecution and disturbance. The main

threats the species now faces vary in the countries where it still occurs.

Once distributed over much of North and North East Africa, central Europe and the Middle East, the

Northern Bald Ibis now remains in two geographically distinct populations, which are also genetically

distinct:

Main western population (W) occurs in Morocco, where the population now numbers 115

breeding pairs).

Main eastern population (E) the relict population of three pairs rediscovered in 2002 has since

dwindled and by 2013 no breeding pairs apparently persisted in Syria. The wild population could

now be considered extinct although a few birds still occur in the wintering area. A semi-wild

population exists and is now increasing in Turkey, which constitutes a very important genetic

resource for a time when reintroduction methodology has been developed further.

The main focus of this International Single Species Action Plan is the conservation of these two

populations. In addition, the Action Plan takes into account released populations being established in

the historic range in Europe (Spain and Austria/Germany/Italy) and how these can develop the

methodology needed for future releases within the priority areas.

The Northern Bald Ibis currently occurs in eight countries within the AEWA Agreement Area. These

are referred to as Principle Range States and have the major responsibility for its implementation:

Algeria (W) Eritrea (E) Saudi Arabia (E)

Turkey (E)

Ethiopia (E) Morocco (W) Syria (E) Yemen (E)

This plan identifies the key threats to the species as well as the key actions required to improve the

conservation status of the Northern Bald Ibis in the Principle Range States. In addition, there have been

incidental but very brief recent occurrences of the species in Jordan, Sudan and Djibouti. These countries

have, however, not been included in this Action Plan for pragmatic reasons, although this could change

for future updates.

The Goal of this Action Plan is to restore the Northern Bald Ibis to a favourable conservation status. It

is aimed to downlist the species from the globally threatened categories on the IUCN Red List and from

Column A, category 1 of AEWA Table 1.

The Purpose is to increase the population size and breeding range of the species. To meet this goal, the

following four objectives (to be achieved by 2025) are set out in the plan:



Objective 1: Increase reproduction success

Objective 2: Reduce adult/juvenile mortality

Objective 3: Establish new colonies

Objective 4: Fill key knowledge gaps

The plan also identifies Results and Actions through which each objectives is to be delivered.

This plan covers the period 2016 to 2025. A revision should be undertaken in 2025. However, an

emergency review can be undertaken prior to 2025 if there are any sudden major changes liable to effect

either population.

The implementation of the plan will be coordinated and reviewed by the inter-governmental AEWA

Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group which is open to all range states and relevant

stakeholder organisations.



1. Biological Assessment

1.1. General Information

The Northern Bald Ibis or Waldrapp Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is about 70-80 cm long and weighs 1,000-

1,500 g. The body is elongated with a fairly long neck. The legs are fairly long and brownish red. Head

and throat are naked and deep red. The nape feathers are elongated. Juvenile birds up to two years have

feathers on head and neck, which are greyish-brown and shorter than in adults.

1.2. Taxonomy and Biogeographic Populations

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Ciconiiformes

Suborder: Ciconiae

Family: Threskiornithidae

Subfamily: Threskiornithinae

Genus: Geronticus

Species: Geronticus eremita L. 1758

The Northern Bald Ibis is a monotypic species with two genetically distinct populations having just one

congeneric species in southern Africa, Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus. The main Western

population in Morocco is maintaining a relatively stable if still precariously small population, whilst for

the Eastern population the situation has deteriorated further towards the brink of extinction. Meanwhile

there has been significant progress over the past ten years with captive and semi-wild reintroduction

trials which are showing new potential for re-establishing populations within the former range.

Although there are no major morphological distinctions between the eastern and western populations,

there is evidence (Pegoraro et al. 2001, Broderick et al. 2001) of a genetic distinction between them,

and it should be noted that the majority of the very substantial captive population, including the birds

used for releases in Europe, are of Western (Moroccan) origin. A comprehensive genetic study is

underway.

1.3 Distribution Throughout the Annual Cycle

Breeding for both Eastern and Western populations takes place from late February until early June, with

egg laying from late March into April. In the non-breeding season, the eastern adult population remains

in highland grassland habitats of unintensive agriculture in Ethiopia, whilst sub-adults (at least in recent

times) apparently spend this time wandering within the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia and Yemen)

and it is possible that some may even linger further north.

The remaining Western population shows some signs of dispersing south within Morocco, especially

during the two months immediately following the breeding season. Although it is possible that a few

may still venture outside Morocco as early records show was formerly the case, the vast majority

certainly remain in Morocco in relatively close proximity to the two coastal breeding sites near Agadir.



1.3.1. Eastern population

Satellite tagging of birds in Syria has helped map the migration route for the Eastern population (Lindsell

et al. 2009 Figure 1) and how the birds move very quickly south in June and July, spending a few weeks

in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, before crossing the Red Sea to the Ethiopian highlands in August. Juvenile

and sub-adult birds appear to stop off along the same route and although information is less well

substantiated, it appears that some may even remain further north, which may mean they are more

exposed to higher mortality risks including illegal hunting (Serra et al. 2014). It should be noted that

Jordan, Eritrea and Sudan also regularly host the migrating birds but only very briefly.

Figure 1. Migratory route of the Eastern population as it was discovered in 2006 through satellite

telemetry. Autumn southward journey to the east, spring northward journey to the west, each of them

being about 3,200 km long. (map from Lindsell et al. 2009)

1.3.2. Western population

The Western population breeds at two main sites in Morocco. Observations and preliminary tagging

work has shown that birds from the Western population (in Morocco) regularly interchange between the

two Moroccan breeding sites during the non-breeding period, but knowledge of juvenile post-breeding

period dispersal is not yet fully understood. However, a limited number of birds do move hundreds of

kilometres to the south along the coast.



By February, most of the birds including immature individuals and non-breeding sub-adults visit the

breeding sites, and the breeding populations mainly forage within 25 km of the two main breeding sites

using the steppe and un-intensive agricultural habitats within Souss-Massa National Park and the Tamri

area just 100km to the north (Bowden et al. 2003).

Outside the breeding season, the majority of birds still feed and roost within the boundaries of the

National Park and within 20 km of Tamri (Figure 2 below from Bowden et al. 2003). Historical records

strongly suggest that the now extinct populations from further north in Morocco (primarily Atlas and

Middle Atlas ranges), and very probably including the small former population in Algeria, were more

migratory than the two remaining colonies, and regularly wintered further south in Morocco and even

as far as Mauritania and Mali. Recent studies in Europe involving descendants from the Moroccan Atlas

populations, indicate that these birds are able to adapt to a migratory lifestyle (Portugal et al. 2014;

Voelkl et al. (in prep.); Bairlein et al. (in prep.).

Figure 2. The two remaining Western population colonies in Morocco occur in Souss-Massa national

Park and in the region of Tamri. (map from Bowden et al. 2003)



1.4. Habitat Requirements

1.4.1 Breeding habitat selection and use

The general habitat of the Northern Bald Ibis during the breeding season is the combination of available

cliff nesting sites in sufficiently close proximity to large areas of feeding habitat. This usually consists

of semi-arid and rocky plains, but in close proximity (less than 15-20 km) to cultivated land, steppe and

meadows which it uses to forage. It is a colonial breeder and the nests of loosely constructed twigs and

vegetation are placed on cliff ledges at least one-metre-wide which may be sea or large river cliffs and

occasionally, even large buildings. It will also use artificial ledges.

However, the height, size and shape of the ledges are all important in terms of safety from predators and

other disturbance and also the aspect and the amount of shade provided (Pegoraro 1996). The remaining

population in Morocco exclusively uses sea cliffs, (Bowden et al. 2003) whilst that in Syria uses

limestone rock faces (Serra et al. 2009) – all of which are extremely difficult for humans to access. The

semi-wild population in Turkey occupies mainly artificial nest boxes as well as some provided rock

platforms and a small minority nests on natural rock faces and caverns.

1.4.2 Feeding habitat selection and use including at stopover sites

The diet of the Northern Bald Ibis includes any available animal life including insects, spiders,

scorpions, earthworms, snails and vertebrates such as fish, amphibians, lizards and snakes (Aghnaj

et al. 2001, Serra et al. 2008), and even occasional small rodents and birds. It will also feed on vegetation

including berries, shoots, duckweed, and rhizomes of aquatic plants (Hancock et al. 1992).

Feeding areas in Morocco are primarily littoral steppe, fallow areas of cultivation, and occasionally

active but un-intensively cultivated areas. Feeding areas in Syria are not dissimilar, but somewhat

inferior, usually in undulating and degraded steppe with sparse dwarf shrubland within a large drainage

basin of mountain ranges (providing sheer cliffs for nesting). Probably due to the advanced degree of

degradation of the original feeding habitats, birds rely on temporary abundance of young toads living in

human-made artificial reservoirs (Serra et al. 2008).

The altitude of the feeding areas increases through the season from spring to the summer months (Serra

et al. 2008). The substrate of feeding areas varies enormously between soft mobile sand, through a full

range of other substrates to almost entirely rocky areas if there is a temporary abundance of prey in the

area, but these are all open terrain areas. Free flying birds in Central Europe almost exclusively use

meadows and pastures as feeding areas (Fritz & Unsöld 2011). The birds need sufficient visibility to

avoid approaching predators and also sufficiently open spaces to allow their characteristic (often fast

walking) foraging style, which is mainly tactile by probing within soft substrate, preferably soil and

sand. But they are also able to hunt using optical cues on and above the substrate surface.

Feeding areas during the breeding season in Morocco were always within 26 km of the nesting sites, but

most areas were less than half that distance (Bowden et al. 2003). It is important that the vegetation is

either sparse and open (semi-arid areas) or not taller than 10 to 15 cm (meadows and pasture). Changes

in vegetation structure and in cultivation may lead to quick abandonment of feeding areas and nesting

grounds (Hirsch pers. comm.)



Little is known about the use of habitats whilst birds are on migration, although satellite tracking and

surveys in the field have shown that, in addition to open arid habitats, they also use recent or active

cultivations (Serra et al. 2010). GPS tracking data from the released European birds indicate that during

migration, they use habitats with similar characteristics to those in the breeding area, ie mainly meadows

and pastures with low vegetation.

The scarcity of trees and cliffs along the Eastern migration route means that tall human-made objects

including electricity pylons are often used for roosting and these present their own hazards as was

demonstrated in Jordan when there was an electrocution incident of at least three birds (Serra et al.

2014). Also for the released European birds, electrocution along the migration route is a major cause of

mortality (Fritz & Unsöld 2013). In Turkey, the semi-wild population frequently forages in the

surrounding areas despite the food provisioning there. Areas used include a large tree nursery,

agricultural fields, margins of the Euphrates River and areas of grassland steppe.

1.4.3. Winter habitat selection and use

In the main Moroccan breeding areas, the winter distribution is largely similar to that during the breeding

season. There are some seasonal variations and areas of littoral steppe still within the Souss-Massa

National Park, which are used more extensively outside the breeding season, as are some otherwise more

heavily disturbed and unprotected areas north of Agadir.

For the Eastern population, satellite tracking has uncovered the main wintering grounds and the majority

of the relict population has consistently returned to a very restricted area in highland Ethiopia. The birds

utilise wet and dry pastures, including recently cut hayfields, in an area where human disturbance is low,

but it is also notable that there is no evidence of any hunting pressures. Repeated visits have shown that

the birds consistently use the same areas (mostly just 9 km2) and utilise tall trees for roosting (Serra

et al. 2013).

1.5. Survival and Productivity

1.5.1. Nest survival and causes of nest loss

The nest is a loose construction of twigs lined with smaller sticks, grass or straw. Eggs are very pale

blue and weigh on average 50.1g. Clutch size averages around three but regularly varies between one

and five. Incubation is 24-28 days, and the fledging period 40-50 days. The time to full independence

varies between individuals, but is usually about two months. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks.

The age of maturity is three years (in captivity), but apparently, in some cases, even longer in the wild

(Hirsch 1979).

At the Moroccan colonies, 9.1% of clutches were lost during incubation and these were attributed to

nest destruction by other ibis individuals and Common Ravens (Corvus corax) although there was also

evidence of nocturnal predation, possibly by Pharaoh Eagle Owl (Bubo ascalaphus) and for the majority

of such clutches, they simply went missing with no known cause (Bowden et al. 2008). Limited Syrian

information shows similar trends and causes (Serra et al. 2009a & 2011). Clearly in the absence of

wardening, human disturbance and predation has also been a major factor as wardens have prevented

potentially serious disturbance and predation events both in Morocco and Syria (Bowden et al. 2008,

Serra et al. 2009a & b).



Failed clutches are only replaced by relaying eggs, if the failure happens early in the season, and chick

survival is much more variable and apparently mainly related to climatic conditions and resulting food

availability (see below). It was demonstrated that chick survival can be significantly improved by

provision of a regular nearby water source (Smith et al. 2009).

1.5.2. Productivity and annual survival

Between 1994 and 2004, the reproduction rate per breeding pair has varied from 0.6 to 1.6 fledged

chicks in Morocco (El Bekkay et al. 2003). Circumstances, such as time spent away from the nest when

the chicks are young, may have the biggest influence in the reproductive success, which is largely

influenced by the proximity of feeding areas and recent climatic conditions (especially rainfall),

affecting food availability, particularly the abundance of invertebrates. (Bowden et al. 2003, Smith

et al. 2009). Intensive round-the-clock protection was certainly a factor in the production in Syria during

the period 2002-2004, which was 1.75 chick per nest (Serra et al. 2009).

The Northern Bald Ibis is a long-lived species. In captivity, birds reach an average of 20-25 years (oldest

male 37 years, oldest female 30 years (Boehm 1999). Reproduction takes place when birds are two years

old, however normally only if they have an experienced older partner. Many birds only start breeding at

3-5 years. Breeding is possible until the age of 26-28, even if a bird has never bred before. However, the

peak breeding age is between 8-15 years for both sexes.

Satellite tracking revealed a particularly high mortality rate for immature birds during migration from

the Syrian colony (Serra et al. 2014) and it was suggested - despite the inevitably small sample - that

this may be driving the overall decline of that population.

1.6. Population Sizes and Trends

Since the beginning of the 20th century and even earlier, there have been sharp declines of both the

Western and Eastern populations.

1.6.1. Eastern population

Former records tell of thousands of birds (19th century, Danford 1880, Kummerloeve 1962); 3000 birds

in Birecik in1930, down to 400 in 1982, five pairs in 1986, seven in 1987 and one left in 1989 (Akcakaya

1990). The wild colony was declared extinct in 1992 (Akcakaya et al. 1992). The main cause of decline

was the use of pesticides (DDT) and human disturbance in Turkey, and hunting in Syria and when on

migration further south in Arabia.

In 2002 there was the discovery of a relict colony in Syria, with seven birds comprising three actively

breeding pairs (Serra et al. 2004). By 2012 however, only three birds returned from migration in spring,

and although there was one welcome addition soon after, making a total of four, just the one pair laid

eggs but failed to rear any young. No reinforcement was possible using Turkish birds that year, which

was a great pity as failed trial releases in 2011 had shown some very promising signs that this

methodology could succeed, with the released birds joining the wild ones on migration as far as southern

Saudi Arabia (Bowden et al. 2011).

Unfortunately, there have not been any breeding pairs subsequently recorded, despite four birds being

seen at the regular Ethiopian wintering site, just one adult female returning in both 2013 and 2014

(www.iagnbi.org). The wild population appears therefore to be on the very brink of extinction.

http://www.iagnbi.org/



1.6.2. Western population

The number of colonies in Morocco and Algeria has sharply declined since the early 20th century. The

last colony in Algeria disappeared in the late 1980s. In Morocco, in 1940 there were still about 38

colonies, in 1975, 15 and in 1989 only 3 colonies survived. Reasons for the decline were a combination

of human disturbance, hunting and the use of pesticides (Collar & Stuart 1985). Since the late 1990s the

population in Souss Massa NP has been stable and since 1999 increasing (Status in 2012 -105 breeding

pairs increasing to a recent high of 115 in 2014 (Oubrou & El Bekkay 2014). This overall positive trend

has continued, and although breeding failure at Tamri in 2012 is of concern, the figure of 105 which

includes pairs that failed to lay eggs is quite comparable and less alarming than the figure for pairs that

laid eggs suggests. This trend does however warrant closer attention in the coming year.



Table 1. Population size in the wild and trend by country

Country Number of

birds

Breeding

pairs Quality

Year(s)

of the

estimate

Breeding

population

trend in the last

10 years (or 3

generations)

Quality

Morocco

524

(includes

recent

fledglings)

115 pairs

Good

(Observed)

2014

Stable &

Increasing

Good

(Observed)

Syria 1

(but 4 in

Ethiopia

wintering

site)

0

(1 bird)

Good

(Observed)

2014 Declining Good

(Observed)

Overall

528 115 pairs 2014

Table 2. Population size of semi-wild, release trials and captive populations

Country Number of

birds Quality

Year(s) of

the

estimate

Breeding

population trend

in the last 10

years (or 3

generations)

Quality

Turkey

(semi-wild)

189

Good (Observed)

2014

Increasing

Good

(Observed)

Turkey Zoos

(captive Turkish

stock)

Unknown at

time of

writing

-

-

Unknown at time

of writing

-

Syria (captive

Turkish stock)

3 Good (Observed) 2014 N/A Good

(Observed)

Austria

(trial release

Moroccan

stock)

42

(to be

updated)

Good (Observed) 2012

(to be

updated)

Increasing Good

(Observed)

Spain

(trial release-

Moroccan

stock)

74

(12 breeding

pairs)

Good (Observed) 2013 Increasing Good

(Observed)

Zoos (outside

Turkey)

(captive

Moroccan

stock)

c.3000

(1540

studbook

registered)

Medium (Estimated)

Good (Observed) for

studbook

2014 Stable/slight

decrease

Good

(Estimated)



Birds now within the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) including the European

Studbooks (ESB)1 number about 1,300 birds, and in addition there are studbooks in Japan with 120 birds

and in North America with another 120 birds, all of which are Moroccan stock. These populations are

stable and slightly decreasing, but the level of 1200 birds is being deliberately maintained at this level

since 65% of all birds are within the best breeding age of 8-15 years and genetic diversity is being

managed.

The eastern stock is much smaller, with almost the entire population held in a semi-wild state at Birecik

where birds are free-flying for half the year and numbers are increasing with improved management.

Other eastern stock is confined to very small numbers held in Turkish zoos, and three birds held in Syria.

All birds used in the release trials in Europe have been hatched and reared from the European studbook

Moroccan stock.

Table 3. Year of national, or breeding population, extinctions.

Breeding Formerly breeding (date

of extinction)

Migration (period)

Morocco

1900-1989 c.50 colonies

in Atlas, Middle Atlas,

Atlantic coast north of

Souss-Massa colonies.

(Collar & Stuart 1985)

All extinct populations were apparently migratory

(unlike the sedentary surviving population)

July-February

Algeria 1987-1990 (Fellous 2004)

Migrant June-Feb

Turkey 1989 extinction of wild

population (Arihan 1999)

Migrant early July to mid-February

Syria Thought extinct 1940s but

one colony rediscovered

2002

Migrant

Early July to mid-February

Germany 1593

Presumed to have been a summer migrant

wintering further south (no data, but see Conrad

Gessner 1555)

Austria 1621 Presumed to have been a summer migrant


Gessner 1555)

Switzerland 1535 Presumed to have been a summer migrant


Gessner account)

1 http://www.eaza.net/conservation/programmes/



Table 4. Current range states for the species, the ones in bold being priority in which the Action Plan

should be implemented (countries in brackets where presence is only extremely brief so not currently

of major importance)

Breeding Migration Wintering Priority Release Potential

Morocco Saudi Arabia Ethiopia Turkey

Syria Yemen Morocco Syria

Eritrea (Djibouti) Algeria

(Jordan)

(Sudan)



2. Threats

2.1. General Overview

The first AEWA Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis (Armesto

et al. 2006) identified the following critical threats:

Illegal building - primarily on the breeding grounds in Morocco;

Increased greenhouse crops, irrigated barley and other agricultural intensification around the

breeding grounds in Morocco;

Impact of overgrazing and firewood collection on the breeding grounds in Syria;

Intensive poultry farming in close proximity to main roost site poses disease risks potentially

affecting adult survival in Morocco.

Whilst measures have been taken specifically to reduce all of these critical threats during the lifetime of

the previous plan, all four remain as serious threats to the survival of the species.

In addition, since the adoption of the previous ISSAP it has emerged that there are additional key threats

mainly to the Eastern population which include:

Illegal hunting at the breeding site in Syria but especially along the migratory route;

Electrocution (power lines and particularly poorly designed electricity pylons) along the

migration route and Birecik area;

Breeding habitat degradation and destruction due to overgrazing and uncontrolled infrastructure

building (Syria).

These threats are exacerbated by the small population size.

The key threats to the Western population are the loss of breeding and feeding habitat through various

developments (both direct construction threats as well as various leisure/tourism activities that increase

human visitation, hang-gliding, surfing, sightseers and birdwatchers etc.), plus intensification and

changes of agricultural practices, most notably horticulture and higher intensity farming practices - and

the associated human disturbance at the breeding sites, but other factors like pesticide locust control in

feeding areas and poultry units in close proximity to roost sites etc. are also potentially critical. The

main threats for both populations as identified by the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working

Group are outlined in more detail below.

2.2 Critical and High Threats

2.2.1. Hunting - Eastern population (critical)

The available evidence points to low survival rates particularly for subadult birds of the eastern

population, and to hunting as a primary source of this high mortality. Hunting mortality has been

indicated mainly in the Arabian Peninsula along the migration route and also in Syria (Serra et al. 2009a

& 2014). The fact that subadults spend more of their time in Arabia, coincides with the perception that

this is where the hunting threat is greatest. There have also been hunting mortality cases from Morocco

and this requires vigilance, but is a more incidental problem there, partly because the population is

largely sedentary. Even the Turkish population which is not thought to have suffered significant hunting



pressure at Birecik could become susceptible, particularly with the recent influx of refugees from Syria.

It is however an issue that needs very serious and careful evaluation (e.g. by tagging birds of the

Moroccan population) for any potential reintroduction areas and plans. The release programme in

Central Europe has clearly demonstrated bird hunting as a major threat for establishing migratory

populations. A total of 65% of the losses during the period 2002-2012 can be assigned to illegal bird

hunting in Italy during autumn migration (Fritz & Unsöld 2013).

2.2.2. Infrastructure development - Morocco and Syria (critical)

Hotel and tourism developments, or other construction and leisure developments that directly reduce the

feeding areas or lead to direct disturbance of breeding or key roosting sites, pose an ever-increasing

threat both in Morocco and Syria, as well as in Turkey. Oil prospection has been an additional pressure

in Syria. Protection legislation and its implementation, requires increased efforts as these pressures

inevitably grow, and the Tamri area which supports half the Moroccan population is particularly in need

of more formal recognition and designation. Even within the Souss-Massa National Park, these threats

are still a major concern due to the limitations of the existing legislation (Bowden et al. 2008, Serra

et al. 2011).

2.2.3. Human disturbance at breeding sites - Eastern & Western populations (critical)

This issue has led to the abandonment of earlier sites altogether (Hirsch 1979, Pegoraro 1996) and

without adequate protection measures such as wardening and site protection in place, is still a major

issue in all cases. Note it may appear less of a priority where those measures are effective and already

in place.

2.2.4. The potential for disease to spread through breeding populations - Eastern & Western

populations (unknown, but potentially critical)

The mortality incident in Morocco in 1996 (Touti et al. 1999) highlighted the risks to the population

posed by disease or indeed a contaminated food or water source, exacerbated by the highly social

behaviour and clustered distribution of the remaining birds. Close proximity of poultry facilities to

roosting sites in Morocco pose a serious risk that could be reduced, and the concentration of almost all

the remaining genetic source for the eastern population at Birecik in Turkey also leaves the population

highly susceptible to this unquantified but undoubtedly real risk (Cunningham 2000).

2.2.5. Use of locust treatments on the feeding grounds in Morocco (high, but potentially critical)

Locusts can feature prominently in the diet and any treatments can potentially cause dramatic mortality

through secondary poisoning. Use of lower toxicity pesticides and close contact between the control

agencies and the National Park have apparently helped avert any major impact in ‘locust years’ but this

requires ongoing concerted efforts (Cunningham 2000).

2.2.6. Expansion and intensification of agriculture and any switch to glasshouse crops - Morocco

(high)

Steppe and long-interval fallow fields are the primary feeding areas of the breeding population in

Morocco, and any increase in the frequency of cultivations, or more directly, if such areas are covered

by glasshouses and thereby effectively lost as feeding sites, will have a detrimental impact on the

overall habitat availability and thereby the carrying capacity (Bowden et al. 2009).



2.2.7. Electrocution by powerlines and poorly designed electricity pylons - Eastern population (high)

There is strong evidence that electrocution is a contributing factor to the high adult and sub-adult

mortality for the eastern population in particular as well as in both Central Europe and Spanish release

projects. Perching and roosting on pylons is known to be frequent in areas where cliffs or tall trees are

not available, so along the migration route of the eastern population in particular (Serra et al. 2013).

This is reinforced with data from the Central European released birds. There, electrocution is the second

highest mortality cause (Fritz & Unsöld 2013). In Spain, the project there suffered comparable high

losses and has made major efforts to modify particular sections of pylons to help address this (Quevedo

pers. comm).

2.3. Medium Threats

2.3.1. Depleted food availability and lack of access to water (medium)

Years with relatively high rainfall have higher productivity, and the provision of water points close to

breeding sites in Morocco, was demonstrated as being statistically significant in improving chick

survival (Smith et al. 2008). Such measures and ensuring undisturbed access to water and adequate

feeding areas are key measures.

2.3.2. Overgrazing and firewood collection – Syria (medium)

Feeding areas are subject to degradation through unsustainable grazing pressure by goats as well as

firewood collection. These have negative impacts on Northern Bald Ibis prey abundance (Serra et al.

2008).



Figure 3. Problem tree analysis: Threats causing low reproduction success and no establishment of new colonies (1 = critical, 2 = high, 3 = medium, 4 = low)



Figure 4. Problem tree analysis: Threats causing high adult / juvenile mortality (1 = critical, 2 = high, 3 = medium, 4 = low)



3. Knowledge Needs

Current knowledge of the Northern Bald Ibis is limited in several areas that have crucial relevance for

the successful implementation of comprehensive conservation measures.

Key areas identified by the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group where gaps in

knowledge exist include:

Updated local assessments of immediate threats or pressures (both human and natural) at Moroccan

breeding and feeding sites (high);

Population assessment system continually updated and evaluated (Morocco, Syria & Turkey)

(high);

The frequentation of alternative sites (including former colonies) in the region of southern Morocco

and their suitability for colonisation is unknown (high);

The potential for re-colonisation of former breeding sites is unknown (high);

A method of managing juveniles after splitting up from migrating flock needs to be developed

(high);

More information is needed on the potential risk of power line collision and electrocution (high);

No population viability assessment for the Western and Eastern populations is available (medium);

The use of stop-over and wintering sites by birds is unknown (medium);

Actual sites identified through satellite tracking need to be verified, delineated and mapped

(medium);

There is a lack of understanding of feeding micro-habitat selection in breeding, stop-over and

wintering areas (medium);

Genetic make-up and levels of inbreeding/outbreeding have yet to be determined in the Eastern

(including Turkish semi-wild flock) population (medium);

Juvenile dispersal in the Western population needs to be mapped (medium);

The reasons for the extinction of former colonies are not yet understood and documented (medium);

The possible impact of parasites and disease is unknown (low);

The possible impact of windfarms is unknown (low).



4. Policies and Legislation Relevant for Management

4.1. International Conservation and Legal Status of the Species

The Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is globally threatened, being recognised as Critically

Endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is listed in Column A of Table 1 of the Action Plan under the

African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA).

Table 5. Summary of the international conservation designations and legal status of the Northern Bald

Ibis

Global status

(IUCN Red-List)3

AEWA4 CMS5 CITES6 Bern

Convention7

EU Birds

Directive8

Critically

Endangered

(C2a(ii))

A1a, 1b &

1c

Appendix I &

II

Appendix I

Yes

No

It is important to note that the international instruments mentioned here – such as the Birds Directives

of the European Union – do not apply throughout the range of the Northern Bald Ibis.

Table 6. Applicability of major international conservation instruments to the Principal Range States

for the Northern Bald Ibis9

Principal range

state

EU

Member

State

Beneficiary of

EU European

Neighbourhood

Policy

Party to

AEWA

Party to

CMS

Party to

Bern

Party

to

CBD

Party to

Ramsar

Algeria

n/a yes yes yes n/a yes yes

Eritrea

n/a no no yes n/a yes no

Ethiopia

n/a no yes yes n/a yes no

Morocco

n/a yes yes yes yes yes yes

Saudi Arabia

n/a no no yes n/a yes no

Syria

n/a yes yes yes n/a yes yes

Turkey

no n/a* no no yes yes yes

Yemen n/a no no yes n/a yes yes

3 2014 IUCN Red List 4 Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (www.unep-aewa.org) 5 Migratory species that have been categorised as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant

proportion of their range; for more details, see the Convention text of the Convention on the Conservation of

Migratory Species of Wild Animals (www.cms.int) 6 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, 1973 (www.cites.org) 7 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Bern, 1979

(http://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention) 8 European Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (2009/147/EC 2009)

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm) 9 As per information posted on the websites of the relevant treaty Secretariats in August 2014

http://www.unep-aewa.org/

http://www.cms.int/

http://www.cites.org/

http://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm



* Turkey is an EU candidate country, which means that it can be eligible for EU funding but not as

primary proposer/benefactor.10

4.2 National Policies, Legislation and Ongoing Activities

The Northern Bald Ibis is legally protected across its range. However, implementation and enforcement

of conservation legislation remains a main challenge. Along the migration route of the eastern

population in particular (Syria, Yemen and Saudi Arabia), the enforcement of protection against hunting

is one of the biggest concerns. Such issues are also present in all range states.

Table 7. Conservation and protection status within each of the Principal Range States for the

Northern Bald Ibis

Principal

range state

Conservation and formal protection status (at

national level)

Remarks

Algeria Listed as a highly protected threatened species under

the ordinance n°06-05 of 15 July 2006 covering the

protection of certain threatened animal species

This ordinance is a high

level law where the

offender incurs heavy

penalties such as financial

sanctions and

imprisonment.

Eritrea No information at time of writing

-

Ethiopia Northern Bald Ibis (Waldrapp) has a legally protected

status in Ethiopia. This means that it cannot be hunted

or traded. The only time it can be collected is for

scientific or research ensuring the safe release of

birds.

Listed under the Wildlife Development Conservation

and Utilization Regulation, Council of Ministers'

Regulation – ref. regulation no 163/2008

Note the paucity of

records over the past

century has hindered

conservation attention for

the species. The recent

regular sightings

potentially provide a

premise for developing

conservation action

including formal

protection of the main

site and habitats.

Morocco Included in national legislation (hunting law), listed

as a protected species, permitting no hunting, capture,

holding in captivity, nor any egg, chick or nest

destruction.

The species is also protected by law 29-05 on the

protection of wild flora and fauna species regulating

trade (adopted in 2011).

Also by law on protected areas 22-07.

Note the legal text (29-

05) is in the process of

being adopted.

Saudi Arabia No information at time of writing

-

10 http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/countries/detailed-country-information/turkey/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/countries/detailed-country-information/turkey/index_en.htm



Syria High profile protection due to national and

international attention since rediscovery in 2002. But

in formal terms is included in the draft updated

Hunting Law anticipated to be issued in 2015 together

with other endangered species.

Enforcement and

awareness within local

community is a key issue,

and progress is being

made.

Syrian Government

recognised the beneficial

role played by NBI in

national agriculture

through Decree n. 28

issued in 1967.

Turkey Fully Protected (Land Hunting Law coded 4915) Hunting of this species is

prohibited throughout

Turkey and all year

round.

Yemen No information at time of writing

-

Protection status is generally good (Table 7) and the species recognised as having importance, although

it is not given significant additional priority over other less threatened species.

4.3. Site and Habitat Protection

In 1991, Morocco took the major step of creating Souss-Massa National Park (33,800 ha) to protect the

breeding roosting and feeding areas known at that time. For Tamri the Government has undertaken an

evaluation specifically aimed to give the region formal protection status.

One major issue has been the need for a stronger protection status for the Tamri area in Morocco which

currently supports over half the world’s wild ibis population but has only formal protection from

hunting. Tamri has been highlighted for increased protection status since the earlier action plan, but to

date this has not been formally agreed or achieved.

In Syria, the area around the breeding colony including the feeding sites has been demarcated as a no

hunting area, and was also proposed and recently declared a designated Protected Area for the NBI. No

wide scale interference is allowed within the area. This formal protection status requires monitoring and

further strengthening, especially in terms of defining the borders according to updated knowledge about

bird land use, of adopting a management plan, hiring staff etc. (Serra et al. 2009b).

In Turkey 180 hectare of Birecik habitat frequented by the ibis was designated as “Wildlife Improvement

Area” in 2011. The management plan has been prepared and waiting for approval.

The regular stop-over areas along the Arabian migration route (in Saudi Arabia and Yemen) once clearly

defined from tracking results may also require protection measures. The main Ethiopian wintering site

is currently regarded as secure and not appropriate for formal protection status, but needs regular

monitoring for potential review on this.



4.4. Recent Conservation Measures and Coordination of Implementation

4.4.1. AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group (NBI IWG)

The AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group was convened by the UNEP/AEWA

Secretariat in 2012, following the earlier adoption of the first AEWA International Single Species Action

Plan for the Conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis at the 3rd Meeting of the AEWA Parties in 2005. In

line with the framework established for AEWA International Species Working Groups, members consist

of designated government representatives and species experts from most of the eight Principle Range

States, the Range States with trial releases as well as observers from international conservation

organisations notably through the expertise network for the species of the International Advisory Group

for Northern Bald Ibis (IAGNBI). Coordination of the Working Group is currently being provided by

the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on behalf of BirdLife International. All meeting

documents as well as final reports of the Working Group can be found on the AEWA website

(http://www.unep-aewa.org/en/workinggroup/aewa-international-species-working-groups-iswg).

At the time of writing, a website and international workspace provided by the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat

for all Species Working Groups was in development to facilitate the inter-sessional communication

between Working Group members and to communicate the activities of the Working Group to the wider

conservation community. For up-to-date information on Working Group activities, please visit the

Working Group website (http://northernbaldibis.aewa.info).

4.4.2. Recent conservation projects

Ongoing monitoring and some related awareness and rural development work has taken place at both of

the project areas in Morocco and Syria. The monitoring is mentioned below, and in addition some

preliminary satellite tagging work has been carried out in Morocco.

In Morocco, monitoring especially at the breeding and roosting sites has continued and this reinforced

the success of the conservation measures taken up over recent years. Awareness rising by the locally

appointed wardens and the Souss-Massa National Park team, together with socioeconomic projects

implemented are delivering positive results, in the form of respect and cooperation for the breeding,

roosting and feeding areas. The latest rural development project finished in 2010 and included several

aspects including beekeeping, fisheries and ecotourism.

One project is ongoing to clean and improve the quality of the colonies’ ledges to facilitate further

occupation by the birds in sites where disturbance is well controlled. Throughout 2015, surveys are

planned to check potential roosting sites for a group of ibis frequently seen to the north of the currently

monitored area. One bird is also being monitored through satellite tracking since 2011, giving detailed

information on its movements.

In Syria, three conservation projects, under different leadership (FAO, BirdLife International and

IUCN), were run between 2002 and 2010. Low-level wardening has continued sporadically despite the

challenges of more recent civil unrest, and several workshops were held by SSCW in cooperation with

MAAR-GCB with support from BirdLife International and RSPB. These were to assess and inform

stakeholders on the updated status of the NBI population in Syria and to highlight the national Hunting

Regulations and the need to update these laws for the benefit of endangered species (including Sociable

Lapwing) and wildlife in general.

http://www.unep-aewa.org/en/workinggroup/aewa-international-species-working-groups-iswg

http://northernbaldibis.aewa.info/



A reinforcement attempt was made in Syria in 2010 involving an immensely diverse set of partners, and

although ultimately unsuccessful, it showed very promising indications that such an initiative could well

work in future (Bowden et al. 2012).

Further trial releases of small numbers of birds (2007 (4), 2008 (4), 2009 (4), 2011(4), 2013 (7) so in

total 23) have taken place from Birecik, Turkey, with most birds being tagged or satellite tagged. Again

these have not been successful, further indicating very high mortality rates soon after release in

Syria/northern Saudi Arabia (Serra et al. 2014, www.iagnbi.org website).

In Turkey reproductive success has been monitored each year since 2005. A three-year study on foraging

behaviour, examining the relative dependence on artificial (food provided) and natural foraging, the key

sites for natural foraging during the breeding season has just been completed and the results are being

compiled. For identified immediate threats, measures have already been taken. Public awareness

activities targeting locals, particularly farmers, is an ongoing activity for future years, focusing on the

ecological importance of the species and the negative effects of using pesticides.

Because the profile of Northern Bald Ibis has remained relatively low, particularly in Morocco which

ironically holds the main wild population, there is limited political support for prioritising the key actions

required. Awareness-raising in Turkey had important impact, the species being more familiar to a wider

audience there than elsewhere, and means that actions for the species are more likely to receive support.

There have been some recent initiatives and television documentaries in Morocco but clearly more is

needed and this will have a very important long-term impact.

Finally, the International Advisory Group for Northern Bald Ibis11 which was established in 1999 has

continued to provide a network of the key partners involved in work for the species, and provides a web

presence that informs enquiries on the wider situation and all major ongoing work. This virtual group

last held a formal three-day meeting in 2009 in Syria but has continued to provide a channel of contact

between the interested parties. It provides an established body of the key expertise that is available to

the International Working Group for the species.

4.4.3. Monitoring

Regular and intensive monitoring is carried out at the breeding and key roosting sites in Morocco by a

team of locally based wardens. Their work is managed and coordinated by the staff of the Souss-Massa

National Park with support from GREPOM, a national NGO together with SEO/BirdLife. Wardens are

present at all colonies throughout the breeding season, and at key roost sites and feeding areas within

Souss-Massa NP and Tamri, throughout the year, despite an ongoing need to formalise and secure their

employment status. Summaries are produced annually from the information collected.

In Syria, a small team of wardens continues to function despite the difficult working conditions in the

country, and this work is carried out through the General Badia Commission (GBC) with input from

both the Syrian Society for Wildlife Conservation (SSCW) and the BirdLife Middle East office with

RSPB support. Only brief summary reports are possible from this scaled down work. In Ethiopia, an

annual visit is made to the wintering site supported by RSPB, but carried out by experienced Ethiopian

Wildlife and Natural History Society staff.

11 http://www.iagnbi.org

http://www.iagnbi.org/



In Turkey, the semi-wild population is funded and managed by the Turkish Forest and Wildlife Ministry

but has recently been closely and thoroughly monitored by staff of Doga Dernegi (BirdLife Turkey).

Information from the recent monitoring is compiled and will be published and otherwise made available.

4.5. The Potential Role for Reintroduction

Although early reintroduction work encountered major problems and limitations (e.g. Mendelssohn

1994, Pegoraro 1996), many of these issues have been subsequently overcome by using a combination

of initial hand-rearing and imprinting on humans, followed by a progression of soft release techniques.

Thus despite several early setbacks, there are now established methodologies available for the re-

establishment of sedentary populations (Kotrschal 2001) and there are very encouraging signs of these

being adapted in Spain, and even methodologies for re-establishing migratory populations in central

Europe are being developed.

The work at Gruenau in Austria showed that the combination of intensive hand rearing/imprinting and

exposure of the birds to a variety of terrains, can, with the necessary care, lead to maintaining a stable

social structure. An important element was the enclosure of the birds during the pre-migration period

(ten weeks is sufficient, and only required for the first 2-3 years), which is effective for establishing the

population. During and after the period of enclosure, the human involvement can gradually be reduced.

The major issue in Austria is that the birds cannot survive the winter on site and so food provisioning

and enclosure is necessary through the winter.

More recent attention has focused on simplifying and reducing costs in the lengthy methodology in

Spain (Quevedo pers. comm.) and also on addressing the significantly greater challenges involved in

establishing a migratory population (Fritz pers. comm.). In both cases, major headway has been made

in developing methodology and techniques. Free-flying birds are now breeding in the wild in both cases.

In summary, with the significant progress over the past five to ten years, conservation translocation and

especially reintroduction has become a serious option to consider among the potential ways to re-

establish or increase the overall population of the species in the wild. It was agreed during the 1st meeting

of the AEWA NBI IWG (November 2012, Jazan, Saudi Arabia), that Algeria should be the higher

priority for a reintroduction programme for the western population, being further from the existing wild

population but in areas that have held birds relatively recently (within the past 25 years). Turkey was

considered the next priority or possibly further south (either Syria or possibly elsewhere within the

Arabian Peninsula, e.g. further south along the flyway of the Syrian population) for reintroduction or

reinforcement of the eastern population, but again, subject to further evaluation in both cases, with

reference to the AEWA Translocation Guidelines, expert opinion and other practical considerations.



5. Ongoing Translocation Projects and their Potential Association with the ISSAP

The two main European release projects in central Europe and Spain respectively have developed

independently of the AEWA process and strategic planning. Their aims are to create self-sustaining

populations, and the EU LIFE+ project (cf. 5.2 below) also has important elements to evaluate the

genetics of captive populations which has, so far, developed primers and should produce published

outputs in the near future.

Early soft release trials using captive stock encountered major problems (Pegoraro 2003, Mendelssohn

1994), having no success in establishing birds in a wild state despite multiple trials. This highlighted the

fact that translocation and releases required major advances before they could be regarded as a useful

tool for the re-establishment of populations into the wild. Earlier action plans and red data book accounts

have therefore not considered translocation to be a priority action, instead putting emphasis on in situ

actions and, to a lesser extent, on the development of translocation methodology.

Since the development of the first AEWA International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation

of the Northern Bald Ibis in 2005, there have been some significant advances in this area, and two

projects have taken the initiative in the process of developing release methodology, which later

converted into full translocation programmes. This has been done outside the prioritised action-planning

process, and before these can be incorporated, there is a need to systematically review the projects with

their objectives, justifications and implementation against the AEWA criteria.

5.1 Translocation project in Spain

The Spanish project ‘Proyecto eremita’ started in 2003 and has been mainly supported by the Andalusian

Government although it comprises multiple partners. Early testing of techniques including cross-

fostering with Cattle Egrets but evolved into less intensive hand-rearing methodology than the Austrian

techniques, using ‘characterised hand-rearing’ by a larger team of human foster parents wearing

characteristic clothing and headgear. Although a larger proportion of birds was lost than in Austria, it

has ultimately been successful in establishing an essentially sedentary population.

There is now an independent non-migratory colony of 14 breeding pairs that is becoming well-

established in the area, mainly at one location within 40 km of the release site. The project is currently

running at a low and unintensive level, consisting mainly of monitoring, with annual supplementation.

Problems of electrocution (caused by poor pylon design), wider dispersal, rat nest-predation as well as

other losses have been addressed in specific areas, and the birds are now thought to be close to being

self-sustaining.

5.2 Translocation project for a migratory population breeding in Austria

The European EU LIFE+ project (LIFE+12-BIO_AT_000143) has developed from a 12-year feasibility

study which has established a small migratory breeding colony in Austria. Since 2011, up to 30 birds

independently migrate between breeding sites north of the Alps and a wintering site in southern Tuscany,

Italy. They breed regularly and lead juveniles to the wintering area usually without human intervention

in more recent years. All birds are GPS tracked to follow their movements. The major objective of the

EU LIFE+ project is the reintroduction of a self-sustaining, migratory Northern Bald Ibis population in

central Europe and, more specifically, the establishment of three breeding colonies north of the Alps

(120+ individuals) by the end of 2019.



Further major objectives are

1. The development of methodology for the reintroduction of migratory populations;

2. A sustainable reduction of illegal hunting in Italy;

3. Extensive veterinary screening of the released population;

4. Development of genetic markers and detailed NBI genetics study to optimize the genetic

variability of the zoo breeding stock and for release: and

5. Basic science on aspects of bird’s flight and bird’s migration. The project has a large team

involved and the outputs from this work attract significant media profile, and are constantly

updated on websites as well as through a series of publications.

Both projects have been developed outside the AEWA framework and processes and without prior

strategic agreement that these locations represent the priority or preferred locations. Neither was initiated

as a reintroduction project although both have undoubtedly progressed highly relevant methodologies

and full publication of these methodological advances will be an important contribution. Before they

can be considered for full association with this ISSAP, it seems appropriate to undertake an AEWA-led

review of their objectives, justification and status, utilising the criteria laid out in the AEWA guidelines

on translocation (AEWA Conservation Guidelines No. 13)12.

With the above points in mind, the key actions required are as follows:

Establish a detailed scientific record of the release methodologies used in successful (and

unsuccessful) cases;

(Ongoing) monitoring of released populations including satellite tracking or similar;

Detailed assessment of the self-sustainability of trial populations and regular reviews of

documentation of methodology and potential lessons for use in main flyways and with reference

to the AEWA Translocation Guidelines.

The results of these actions will be assessed, amongst other things, before deciding on the association

of these projects to a future form of this ISSAP.

12 http://www.unep-aewa.org/en/publication/aewa-conservation-guidelines-no13-guidelines-translocation-

waterbirds-conservation

http://www.unep-aewa.org/en/publication/aewa-conservation-guidelines-no13-guidelines-translocation-waterbirds-conservation

http://www.unep-aewa.org/en/publication/aewa-conservation-guidelines-no13-guidelines-translocation-waterbirds-conservation



6. Framework for Action

Goal: Restore the Northern Bald Ibis to a favourable conservation status.

Indicator Means of verification

Downlist the species from the globally

threatened categories on the IUCN Red List and

from Column A, Category 1 of the AEWA

Table 1

IUCN Red List and related discussion forums;

AEWA Table 1

Purpose: Increase population size and breeding range in the wild by 2025.

Indicator Means of verification

Two new colonies (of five or more pairs each)

established away from current breeding sites in

Morocco or other former sites, and Moroccan

population continuing to increase to 700

individuals

Reports and publications from Morocco, Turkey,

Syria, Algeria

Four Objectives have been identified to deliver the goal:

Objective 1: Increase reproduction success;

Objective 2: Reduce adult/juvenile mortality;

Objective 3: Establish new colonies;

Objective 4: Fill key knowledge gaps.

For each Objective, a number of related Results have been identified, which are to be achieved through

the implementation of specific Actions, which address the identified key threats (Tables 8-11 below).

Actions should be implemented in all range states and significant progress should be made on all

activities by 2025 unless otherwise indicated. It should be noted that the prioritisation of activities will

not be equally applicable to all range states.

The main focus of this International Single Species Action Plan is on the conservation of the remaining

wild and semi-wild Western and Eastern populations. Range states are encouraged to adopt National

Action Plans for the species, which should incorporate the relevant results and actions outlined in this

plan. The AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group will provide further coordination and

assist range states with the implementation of the plan as well as assess implementation progress based

on information provided by the range states.



Table 8. Objective 1: Increase reproduction success

Indicator: Breeding productivity figures above 1.2 chicks fledged per breeding pair in each colony

(including semi-wild Turkish population)

Verification: Monitoring, field survey and project reports, National Reports submitted to meetings of

the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group, papers published in peer

reviewed scientific journals.

[Timescales: Immediate: Initiated by 2016; Short: 2017-18; Medium: By 2020; Long: By 2022-25]

Result Action Priority Timescale Organisations

1.1. Chick

mortality on

nest is

minimised

1.1.1. Prevent human

disturbance and

incidental nest

destruction by

predators such as

ravens through close

monitoring

Applicable: Morocco,

Syria & Turkey

High Ongoing Haut-Commissariat aux

Eaux et Forêt et à la lutte

Contre la Désertification

(HCFLCD), GREPOM

General Badia

Commission (GBC)

Ministry of Forestry and

Water Affairs

1.1.2. Collect

discarded/lost fishing

lines and nets around

colonies

Applicable: Morocco

Medium Ongoing HCEFLCD, GREPOM

1.1.3. Increase

awareness amongst

fishermen

Applicable: Morocco

Medium Ongoing HCEFLCD, GREPOM

1.1.4. Provide (safe)

nesting material around

colonies


Syria

Medium Immediate HCEFLCD, GREPOM

General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.1.5. Improve nesting

ledges if Syrian

population increases

Applicable: Syria

High As needed General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.2. Food

availability is

increased

1.2.1. Maintain the

reservoir in proximity

of the colony

High Ongoing General Badia

Commission (GBC)




Applicable: Syria

1.2.2. Establish food

availability monitoring

and alarm system for

cases of drought


Syria

High Short- by

2017

HCEFLCD, GREPOM

1.3. Improved

access to

water

1.3.1. Maintain supply

of fresh water at

waterholes close to

colonies

Applicable: Morocco

Medium Ongoing HCEFLCD,GREEPOM

1.3.2. Establish

emergency water ponds

for cases of drought

Applicable: Syria

High Ongoing General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.4. Catastrophic

impact of

diseases

prevented

1.4.1. Maintain regular

monitoring and hygiene

protocol

Applicable: Turkey

High Immediate Ministry of Forestry and

Water Affairs

1.4.2. Create new semi-

wild population away

from Birecik

Applicable: Turkey

High Immediate Ministry of Forestry and

Water Affairs

1.4.3. Establish disease

emergency response

system


Turkey

High Immediate HCEFLCD, GREPOM


Water Affairs

1.4.4. Raise awareness

among domestic bird

farmers

Applicable Morocco

High Medium –

by 2016

HCEFLCD, GREPOM

1.4.5. Enforce protocols

for carcass and waste

removal from domestic

High Medium Relevant state authorities




bird farms in case of

outbreaks

Applicable: Morocco

1.4.6. Apply stringent

health control and

screening of captive

birds prior to

conservation

translocation

Applicable: ALL

High As needed Government institutions in

charge of nature

conservation in

collaboration with NBI

experts and relevant

stakeholders

1.5. Reduced

intra-specific

competition for

nesting sites

1.5.1. Enlarge and

improve nesting ledges

Applicable: Morocco


1.5.2. Test and

establish artificial

ledges

Applicable: Morocco


1.6. Human

disturbance is

minimised

1.6.1. Maintain and

improve wardening in

the colonies


Syria

Essential Ongoing HCEFLCD, GREPOM

General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.6.2. Increase

awareness amongst

local people and

visitors


Syria

High Ongoing HCEFLCD, GREPOM

General Badia

Commission (GBC),

Syrian Society for the

Conservation of Wildlife

(SSCW)

1.6.3. Provide

alternative water

sources for pastoralists

Applicable: Syria

Medium Medium General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.6.4. Manage access

by pastoralists to

existing water sources

Applicable: Syria

Medium Short General Badia

Commission (GBC)




1.6.5. Designate all

colonies as protected


Syria, Turkey

Essential Medium HCEFLCD

General Badia

Commission (GBC))-

Ministry of Agriculture

and Agrarian Reform

(MAAR)


Water Affairs

1.6.6. Develop and

implement management

plans for the protected

areas


Syria, Turkey


General Badia

Commission (GBC))-

Ministry of Agriculture

and Agrarian Reform

(MAAR)Ministry of

Forestry and Water

Affairs

1.7. Predation is

minimised

1.7.1. Monitor

predation levels


Syria

Essential Immediate/

Short

HCEFLCD

General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.7.2. Undertake

predation control

measures when

necessary


Syria

Essential As needed HCEFLCD

General Badia

Commission (GBC)

1.8. Problematic

buildings on cliffs

are removed and

new ones

prevented

1.8.1. Strengthen

enforcement of

legislation, also through

the involvement of

other authorities than

NP

Applicable: Morocco

Essential Ongoing HCEFLCD, Relevant state

authorities

1.9. Impact of

collapse of

breeding cliffs is

minimised

1.9.1. Evaluate

possibility of

improving current

roosting sites as

potential new breeding

sites

Applicable: Morocco

Medium Medium HCEFLCD, GREPOM



Table 9. Objective 2: Reduce adult/juvenile mortality

Indicator: No reports of mortality caused by human-induced factors

Verification: Monitoring, field survey and project reports, National Reports submitted to meetings

of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group, papers published in

peer reviewed scientific journals.



2.1. Impact of

locust treatment

is prevented

2.1.1. Continue work with locust

control unit to avoid toxic

treatment within Souss Massa

NP

Applicable: Morocco

Essential Ongoing HCEFLCD

2.2. Illegal

killing and

trapping is

minimised

2.2.1. Raise awareness among

hunter/falconers on satellite

tagging and NBI conservation

Applicable: Saudi Arabia

High Ongoing Saudi Wildlife

Authority

2.2.2. Reduce visibility of

satellite tags by finding

alternative means of attachment

Applicable: ALL

High Ongoing Project teams

2.2.3. Raise awareness among

hunters/trappers and/or general

public on NBI in key areas,

where needed

Applicable: ALL

Essential Short Relevant state

authorities

2.3. Risk of

electrocution

and collision

with power lines

is minimised

2.3.1. Identify critical and

dangerous power lines around

known key sites

Applicable: ALL

High Short Relevant state

authorities

2.3.2. Retrofit design or put

dangerous sections of power

lines underground

Applicable: ALL

High Long Relevant state

authorities

2.3.3. Take NBI into account in

SEA/EIA procedures for new

power lines (possible re-routing)

around key areas

High Ongoing Relevant state

authorities




Applicable: ALL

2.3.4. Introduce bird safe

standards into national

regulations

Applicable: ALL

Medium Long Relevant state

authorities

2.4.

Establishment of

windfarms close

to key sites is

avoided

2.4.1. Exclude NBI key areas

from renewable energy

development

Applicable: ALL

High Short Relevant state

authorities

2.4.2. take NBI into account in

SEA/EIA procedures for

windfarms (possible re-location)

around key areas

Applicable: ALL

High Ongoing/

As needed

Relevant state

authorities

2.5. Survival

chance of

dispersing

juveniles is

increased

2.5.1. Identify feeding and

roosting sites outside Souss-

Massa/Tamri and assess their

status

Applicable: Morocco

Essential Short HCEFLCD,

GREPOM

2.5.2. Put conservation measures

in place as necessary

Applicable: Morocco


2.6. Decline in

area of feeding

habitat is

minimised

2.6.1. Monitor and control sand

extraction activities; enforce

existing legislation

Applicable: Turkey

Medium Ongoing Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

2.6.2. Promote NBI-friendly

crop pattern, e.g. by subsidising

Applicable: Morocco, Turkey


Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

NGOs

2.6.3. Promotion of low-input

crops


Essential Medium HCEFLCD,

Relevant state

authorities

Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

NGOs




2.6.4. Promote eco-friendly

source of income



GREPOM

Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

NGOs

2.6.5. Promote NBI-based

tourism for direct benefit to

local community



GREPOM

Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

NGOs

2.7. Habitat

loss/degradation

due to

infrastructure/

urban

development is

minimised

2.7.1. NBI areas taken into

account in physical planning and

SEA/EIA procedures

Applicable: ALL

Essential Ongoing Relevant state

authorities

2.8.

Desertification of

habitat in key

areas is

prevented or

mitigated

2.8.1. Regulate agriculture

activities in key areas

Applicable: Saudi Arabia

Medium Medium /

Long

Saudi Wildlife

Authority

2.8.2. Regulate grazing in key

areas (through promotion of

sustainable practices with local

communities)

Applicable: Ethiopia, Morocco,

Syria, Yemen

High Medium Relevant state

authorities

2.8.3. Support provision of

alternative sources of energy

(gas, solar, etc.) and improve

energy use efficiency

Applicable: Syria, Morocco

High Long Relevant state

authorities

2.8.4. Enforce environmental

regulations on charcoal

production

Applicable: Yemen

Medium Ongoing State authority

2.8.5. Identify degraded habitats

in key areas and restore them

Applicable: ALL

Medium Long Relevant state

authorities



Table 10. Objective 3: Establish new colonies

Indicator: One site away from Souss-Massa colonised in Morocco, a population established in

Algeria, and a semi-wild population established away from Birecik in Turkey.

Verification: Monitoring, field survey and project reports, National Reports submitted to meetings of

the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group, papers published in peer

reviewed scientific journals.



3.1. Eastern

population

increased 5-fold

3.1.1. Develop project for

further reinforcement of the

Syrian population and

implement it

Applicable: Syria, Turkey

Essential Immediate Relevant state

authorities

3.2. Semi-wild

population in

Birecik is

maintained at a

minimum of 150

birds

3.2.1. Continue the conservation

programme in Birecik

Applicable: Turkey

Essential Ongoing Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

3.3. A wild

migratory

population is

established in

Birecik

3.3.1. Further releases from

Birecik

Applicable: Turkey

High Ongoing Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

3.4. Semi-wild

population

established at a

second site in

Turkey (ideally

in area

compatible with

3.5)

3.4.1. Identify potential areas

and undertake feasibility studies

and risk assessments

Applicable: Turkey

High Short Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

3.5. A wild

population is

established away

from Birecik


for reintroduction and undertake

feasibility studies and risk

assessments

Applicable: Turkey

High Short Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

3.5.2. Implement reintroduction

upon positive conclusions from


assessments

High Long Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs




Applicable: Turkey

3.6. Sites away

from Souss-

Massa/Tamri are

re-colonised/

colonised

3.6.1. Monitor and assess

potential/feasibility of

roosting/former colony sites

which are visited by birds

Applicable: Morocco


GREPOM

3.6.2. Improve conditions in the

most favourably assessed sites

to attract breeders

Applicable: Morocco

Essential Medium HCEFLCD,

GREPOM

3.7. A population

is re-established

in Algeria


for reintroduction, including

possible wintering areas and

undertake feasibility studies and

risk assessments

Applicable: Algeria

Medium Short Relevant state

authorities

Researchers

3.7.2. Implement reintroduction

upon positive conclusions of the


assessments

Applicable: Algeria

Medium Medium/

Long

Relevant state

authorities



Table 11. Objective 4: Fill key knowledge gaps

Indicator: High priority knowledge gaps are filled by 2018 and medium priority gaps filled by

2025.

Verification: Monitoring, field survey and project reports, National Reports submitted to meetings

of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group, papers published in

peer reviewed scientific journals.



4.1. Use of dispersal sites

and suitability for

colonisation as breeding

sites is identified

4.1.1. Assess suitability

of nesting and feeding

areas

Applicable: Morocco

High 2018 HCEFLCD,

GREPOM

4.2. Potential for re-

colonisation of former

breeding sites is

identified

4.2.1. Assess suitability

of nesting and feeding

areas

Applicable: Morocco

High 2018 HCEFLCD,

GREPOM, SEO

4.3. A method of

managing juveniles after

split up from migrating

flock is developed

4.3.1. Undertake trial

with experimental flock

Applicable: All

High 2018 LIFE+ project

team

4.4. Population viability

assessment for both

Western and Eastern

populations is available

4.4.1. Run and publish

population viability

assessment

Applicable: ALL

Medium 2025 IUCN SSC CBSG

(Conservation

Breeding)

4.5. Use of stop-over and

wintering sites by birds is

determined

4.5.1. Undertake field

surveys

Applicable: ALL

Medium 2025 LIFE+ project

team

4.6. Actual sites identified

through satellite tracking

have been verified on the

grounds, delineated and

mapped

4.6.1. Undertake field

work and mapping

Applicable: [Turkey]

Medium 2025 Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

4.7. Feeding micro-

habitat selection in

breeding, stop-over and

wintering areas

understood

4.7.1. Undertake studies

Applicable: ALL

Medium 2025 Ministry of

Forestry and

Water Affairs

(Turkey)

LIFE+ project

team

4.8. Genetic make-up and

levels of

inbreeding/outbreeding

4.8.1. Collect samples at

any possible occasion


team




have been determined in

Syrian and Turkish

populations

Applicable: all Eastern

population range states

4.8.2. Undertake genetic

analysis and publish

results

Applicable: all Eastern

population range states


team

4.9. Juvenile dispersal in

Moroccan population is

mapped

4.9.1. Satellite telemetry

study

Applicable: Morocco

Medium 2025 HCEFLCD,

GREPOM

Researchers

4.9.2. Ground verification


Medium 2025 HCEFLCD,

GREPOM

Researchers

4.10. Potential risk of

power line collision and

electrocution is

understood

4.10.1. Undertake

assessment of risks

through monitoring

Applicable: ALL

Medium 2025 Relevant state

authorities and

research agencies

4.11. Reasons for

extinction of former

colonies are understood

and documented

4.11.1. Design and

undertake study

Applicable: Morocco

Medium 2025 To be designated

by HCEFLCD

7. Awareness Raising and Communication Work

Despite the extreme rarity, distinctiveness, historical and cultural significance of this species, the

Northern Bald Ibis has a distinctly low profile particularly in the main country (Morocco) where it

persists in a natural state. There have been some recent initiatives to try to improve this through

television documentaries, local environmental education programme initiatives in Souss-Massa

National Park, targeting young people through posters/brochures etc. and it is very notable how the

revival of former traditions in Turkey and a major publicity campaign by WWF over thirty years ago in

that country have had major impacts which remain to this day. The increased familiarisation has

improved public interest and this higher profile results both in better responsiveness of the relevant

authorities to implementing actions for the species, as well as more potential funding and support

opportunities from within the country.

A species with a low profile may not qualify as an overt threat and cannot be treated as such, but this

does not mean it shouldn’t receive priority action and attention. Steps to seek and revive local cultural

values of the bird, and to produce publications including books and brochures as well as running

carefully-managed awareness events (often targeting children) are the types of activity that have been

successful elsewhere. It is not necessarily an area that government can be expected to initiate itself, but

it can facilitate and potentially even support local or national associations or NGOs to carry out such

work in partnership. Both Morocco and probably Algeria are the main relevant areas where such



additional efforts would be most beneficial, but they need to be carried out with full coordination of

governments, especially National Park staff, as they may instigate increased pressures at the sensitive

field sites if they successfully increase interest, and these need to be managed and taken care of through

combined and planned efforts. Promoting ibis statues or other culturally relevant profile-raising

initiatives are further options to consider here. Wider international and release projects can also

contribute to this aim, and again, building links is a very important aspect of this.



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bald ibis Geronticus eremita on a major migratory flyway. Oryx

doi:10.1017/S0030605313000665 (1):1-9.

Smith, K. W., Aghnaj, A., El Bekkay, M., Oubrou, W., Ribi, M., Jimenez Armesto, M. & Bowden,

C. G. R. 2008. The provision of supplementary fresh water improves the breeding success of the

globally threatened Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita. Ibis 150(4): 728-734.

Touti, J., Oumellouk, F., Bowden, C. G. R., Kirkwood, J. K. & Smith, K. W. 1999. Mortality

incident in Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita in Morocco in May 1996. Oryx 33: 160-167



Appendix 1 - AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group Terms of

Reference13

Goals (as defined in the International Single Species Action Plan for the Northern Bald Ibis)

To conserve the Northern Bald Ibis by securing the wild colonies, increasing the number of

birds and improving our understanding of their needs;

Increase the number of breeding colonies;

Preserve the stop-over and wintering sites and make the E population flyway safe for the birds

Role

The role of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group will be to:

1) coordinate and catalyse the implementation of the International Northern Bald Ibis Single

Species Action Plan (SSAP);

2) stimulate and support Range States in the implementation of the SSAP; and

3) monitor and report on the implementation and the effectiveness of the SSAP.

Scope

The AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group will:

set priorities for action and implement them;

coordinate the overall international implementation;

raise funds for implementation;

assist Range States in producing national action plans;

ensure regular and thorough monitoring of the species populations;

stimulate and support scientific research in the species necessary for conservation;

promote the protection of the network of critical sites for the species;

facilitate internal and external communication and exchange of scientific, technical, legal and

other required information, including with other specialists and interested parties;

assist with information in determination of the red list status and population size and trends of

the species;

regularly monitor the effectiveness of implementation of the SSAP and take appropriate action

according to the findings of this monitoring;

regularly report on the implementation of the SSAP to the AEWA Meeting of the Parties

through the National Focal Points; and

update the international SSAP in 2015 or as required.

Membership

The AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group will comprise (1) designated

representatives of national state authorities in charge of the implementation of AEWA and (2)

representatives of national expert and conservation organisations as invited to the national delegations

by the state authorities from all major Range States.

13 As approved by the 1st Meeting of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group, 19-22

November 2012, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. These Terms of Reference will be updated at the 2nd Meeting of the AEWA

Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group to reflect the revised Species Action Plan (AEWA Technical

Series No. 55).



Countries forming the working group: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey and

Yemen.

Observer countries where captive breeding/reintroduction projects are currently proposed or

ongoing: Spain, Austria, Italy, Germany and Algeria.

The Chair of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group may invite and admit

international expert and conservation organisations as well as individual experts as observers to the

Working Group, as necessary. Observer organisation confirmed by the Range States at the first meeting

of the Working Group is the International Advisory Group on the Northern Bald Ibis (IAGNBI).

Officers

A Chairperson of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group will be elected amongst

its members.

A part-time Coordinator will be nominated by BirdLife International from within the BirdLife

Partnership, with a medium term objective to establish this role at BirdLife International. The

Coordinator will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Working Group and shall act in close

cooperation with the Chairperson and the AEWA Secretariat.

The designated representatives of national state authorities will act as National Focal Points for the

SSAP and will be the main contact persons for the Chairperson and the Coordinator.

Meetings

The AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group should aim to hold face-to-face meetings

once every three years. Other face-to-face meetings may be arranged as circumstances allow (e.g. back-

to-back meetings with other international fora). Between meetings, business will be conducted

electronically via Working Group’s website and list server.

Reporting

A thorough report on the implementation of the SSAP will be produced according to a standard format

with contributions from all Range States and submitted for inclusion into the general International

Review on the Stage of Preparation and Implementation of Single Species Action Plans to the AEWA

Meeting of the Parties. Reports shall also be prepared by each Range State to a format agreed by the

Working Group and presented at each face-to-face meeting of the Working Group. These National

Reports shall be submitted to the Coordinator at the latest three months prior to the date of the next

Meeting of the Working Group. Financial support for meeting attendance and for the implementation of

the SSAP for eligible range states (according to AEWA MOP decisions) will be coupled with the timely

submission of national reports. Other reports will be produced as required by the AEWA Technical

Committee or the AEWA Secretariat.

Financing

The operations of the AEWA Northern Bald Ibis International Working Group, including the

coordinator post, as necessary, are to be financed primarily by its members and, if applicable, by its

observers; the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat cannot commit regular financial support and may only provide

such if possible. Funding for SSAP activities of the Working Group or its members is to be sought from

various sources.

UNEP/AEWA SecretariatUN CampusPlatz der Vereinten Nationen 153113 BonnGermanyTel.: +49 (0)228 815 2413Fax: +49 (0)228 815 [email protected]

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